Title:Structure-property Relationships Reported for the New Drugs Approved
in 2022
Volume: 24
Issue: 3
Author(s): Kihang Choi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea (ROK)
Keywords:
Structure-property relationship, solubilizing group, deuterium incorporation, lead optimization, candidate selection, drug discovery.
Abstract:
Background: The structure–property relationship illustrates how modifying the chemical
structure of a pharmaceutical compound influences its absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion,
and other related properties. Understanding structure–property relationships of clinically approved
drugs could provide useful information for drug design and optimization strategies.
Method: Among new drugs approved around the world in 2022, including 37 in the US, structure–
property relationships of seven drugs were compiled from medicinal chemistry literature, in which
detailed pharmacokinetic and/or physicochemical properties were disclosed not only for the final drug
but also for its key analogues generated during drug development.
Results: The discovery campaigns for these seven drugs demonstrate extensive design and optimization
efforts to identify suitable candidates for clinical development. Several strategies have been successfully
employed, such as attaching a solubilizing group, bioisosteric replacement, and deuterium
incorporation, resulting in new compounds with enhanced physicochemical and pharmacokinetic
properties.
Conclusion: The structure-property relationships hereby summarized illustrate how proper structural
modifications could successfully improve the overall drug-like properties. The structure–property relationships
of clinically approved drugs are expected to continue to provide valuable references and
guides for the development of future drugs.